9/16/11

An unrestored works racing team 1953 Austin-Healey 100 Special Test Car has been consigned to Bonhams’ December Sale at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, UK, where it’s expected to fetch over $800,000.

A racing version of the British roadster beloved by the young Clint Eastwood, among others, the vehicle is a veteran of both the 1953 and 1955 Le Mans 24-Hour races (above).

An Austin-Healey 100 raced twice at Le Mans in the ’50s

It was later updated by the factory to ’100S’ specification for 1954–55 when it competed in both the exotic Carrera PanAmericana Mexico and the Bahamas Speed Week events at Nassau.

Presented in “barn find” condition it’s ripe for restoration, although in its present state it has a certain patinated charm….